Artemisia absinthium
Chopped, dried whole herb
1 oz.
Wormwood has a rich and complex history, steeped in both practical uses and fascinating lore.
- Bitterness and Sorrow: In the Bible, wormwood is mentioned several times, often as a symbol of bitterness, hardship, or punishment. This association likely stems from its intensely bitter taste.
- The Book of Revelation: Wormwood appears in the Book of Revelation as a star that falls from the sky, poisoning the waters and causing death. This has led to various interpretations, with some seeing it as a symbol of destruction or a metaphor for a historical event.
- Artemisia: The botanical name for wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, is derived from the Greek goddess Artemis, associated with the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. This connection may reflect wormwood's traditional use in women's health.
- Magical Properties: In some folklore traditions, wormwood was believed to have magical properties. It was sometimes used in rituals or spells for protection, divination, or even to ward off evil spirits.
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Protection: Wormwood has been considered a protective herb in some magical traditions. It was sometimes hung in doorways or used in amulets to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, or ill fortune.
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Banishing: Its association with bitterness and negativity has led some to use wormwood in banishing rituals or spells aimed at removing unwanted influences or situations.
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Divination and Prophecy: In some folklore, wormwood was believed to enhance psychic abilities or facilitate divination. It might be used in incense blends or dream pillows to promote prophetic dreams.
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Love Spells (with caution): While less common, some traditions associate wormwood with love magic, though this is often approached with caution due to its strong associations with bitterness and endings. This is not generally recommended and should be researched carefully if considering it.
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Cleansing: The strong scent of wormwood has been used in cleansing rituals or to purify spaces. Burning dried wormwood or using it in smudges is one way this has been practiced.
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Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) has a long and complex history of traditional use, spanning various cultures and continents. It's important to note that while wormwood has been used traditionally for various ailments, its use should be approached with caution due to the potential toxicity of thujone, a compound it contains.
Wormwood has a long history of use as a digestive bitter. It was often used to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, and relieve bloating or gas. It was thought to increase the production of digestive juices.
In some traditional medicine systems, wormwood was used to regulate menstrual cycles, induce menstruation, and alleviate menstrual cramps. This use should be approached with extreme caution and only under the supervision of a healthcare professional due to the potential for adverse effects.
Wormwood was sometimes used to reduce fevers.
Historically, wormwood was a key ingredient in the alcoholic beverage absinthe. However, the thujone content in absinthe was a concern due to its potential neurotoxicity. It's important to note that absinthe production and sale are often regulated due to these concerns.
To prepare as tea:
Pour 8 oz. boiling water over 1/2 tsp. of herb.
Cover and steep 5-10 minutes, strain and serve immediately.
*Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. Not for long term use, do not exceed recommended dose.